Cover letter for a letter of recommendation(5 samples)

This blog post will show samples of “cover letters requesting a recommendation letter.”

Samples of cover letters requesting a recommendation letter

When you’re applying for jobs, some employers may require you to submit a letter of recommendation. When requesting a recommendation letter, these are some of the essential things to include in your letter:

• Address your former employer with a formal salutation. For example, “Dear/Hello (name of the recipient).”

• The next step is to state the reasons for writing the letter. 

• State your current role or what you are doing.

• Why you’re the best fit for the job.

• Relevant work habits, academic successes, or skills.

• Requested due date (if needed)

• Conclude your letter with a forward-looking statement. 

Sample 1: “Cover letter for a recommendation letter”

“Dear [Mr., Ms., Dr., etc.] Chambers,

I hope you are well! I am in the process of submitting an application to [institution or company name]. Part of the application requires a letter of recommendation from someone who can effectively elaborate on my work habits, skills and achievements. Based on our years of experience together, I believe you can help provide an effective, honest, and detailed letter on my behalf.

I would greatly appreciate it if you could write a letter of recommendation for me that can help emphasize the positive work habits I’ve shown since we’ve known each other. The deadline for submitting the letter is [date]. If this deadline is too soon and you are unable to provide a letter by that time, please let me know as soon as possible. Additionally, if there is any information I can provide that will help you write the letter in more detail, I would be happy to submit it to you.

Thank you for your time and efforts on my behalf.

Sincerely,

Simon Brown”

Sample 2: “Cover letter for a recommendation letter”

“Dear Ms./Mr. [Recommender Name],

I hope you’re well. I’m in the process of applying to [school or company name] and want to ask if you feel comfortable writing a strong letter of recommendation on my behalf.

I thoroughly enjoyed my time as [your relationship to the recommender]. As my [teacher/counselor/manager], I believe you could honestly and effectively vouch for my [list of skills or qualifications] I’ve demonstrated during our time together. 

I appreciate you considering my request. The deadline for submitting the letter is [date]. I’ve attached an updated version of my [resume/brag sheet], as well as the [job posting/admission requirements] and details on how to submit the letter. If you need any additional information, don’t hesitate to contact me. 

Thank you for your time and support.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

[Your phone number]

[Your email address]”

Sample 3: “Cover letter for a recommendation letter”

“Email Subject Line: Reference for [Your Name]

Dear Mr./Ms./Prof. [Reference’s Last Name] (If you are writing to a colleague, you can use “Hi [Name]”)

I am reaching out to you because I am applying for a new position as [type of role] with [company name]. Part of the application process is to provide letters of recommendation and I would greatly appreciate it if you could write a letter of recommendation for me.

I enjoyed our time working together at [company name] and I learned a lot from you when we collaborated on [project]. With this in mind, I think you would be a great person to vouch for my skills in [key skill area]. I’m currently working as [type of role] and this new job is closely related but will require the [key skills] I developed while working with you.

I will attach my current resume and the job ad to this email for you to review and if you have any other questions, I will be happy to answer them. The deadline for submitting the letter is [date]. I know you are busy, so if this is too soon, I completely understand. Please let me know as soon as possible if you are comfortable writing a letter like this for me.

Sincerely,

[Your name].”

Sample 4: “Cover letter for a recommendation letter”

“Dear Professor Jameson,

I thoroughly enjoyed your Mathematics class last semester, and I learned so much. In fact, it confirmed my belief that pursuing a career in accounting is the right choice. I’m hoping that you feel you got to know me and my academic abilities during the semester because I’d like to ask you to write a recommendation letter.

I’m working toward a scholarship that’s awarded by ACME Accounting. I have enclosed my cover letter to the scholarship committee and a copy of my application. I’ve also included a summary sheet of my achievements in your class and those outside the classroom to refresh your memory.

Could you please let me know if you are comfortable endorsing me for this scholarship? If need be, I would be more than happy to answer any questions or provide additional information that would help you write your recommendation.

Thank you for all your support and for taking the time to review my request.

Sincerely,

Jenna Smith”

Sample 5: “Cover letter for a recommendation letter”

“Dear Mr. Collier,

I am writing to ask if you would be willing to write a letter of recommendation in support of my application for Head Manager at JHI Associates. The hiring manager has asked me to provide a letter of recommendation from someone who knows me on a professional level and can speak to my skills and achievements.

Since we have worked together for several years, I believe you can provide some insight into my qualifications as an ideal managerial candidate. I learned a lot from you while working at Collier Caller Services. With this in mind, I think you would be a great person to vouch for my interpersonal and decision-making skills.

Please let me know if you are comfortable endorsing my candidacy for a managerial role. Should you be willing, I can provide you with all the necessary information to help you write your recommendation. 

I have attached my resume to bring you up to date with my experience and professional accomplishments.

Thank you in advance,

Mary Jackson”

Frequently Asked Questions: Samples of cover letters requesting a recommendation letter

How far in advance should you ask for a letter of recommendation?

You should ask at least 3 weeks in advance for a letter of recommendation. You can ask later than that, but it is not recommended to ask less than one week in advance.

How do you begin a cover letter?

The Most Effective Strategies to Start a Cover Letter

• Start With an Accomplishment. 
• Inform the Company of What You Can Offer Them. 
• Show That You Love the Company. 
• Name-Drop by Saying You Know Someone Relevant.

If you like this blog post, please leave your comments and questions below.

Citations

https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/asking-for-a-letter-of-recommendation

https://www.coursera.org/articles/how-to-ask-for-a-letter-of-recommendation-template-tips

https://www.betterteam.com/how-to-ask-for-a-letter-of-recommendation